Quilotoa Beach (La Playita Quilotoa)

30 / Jun / 2025

Quilotoa.com

The "La Playita Quilotoa" (Quilotoa Beach) is the name given to the small "beach" located on the shore of Quilotoa Lagoon. Visiting the Quilotoa Beach area is one of the most fun and challenging activities for any visitor and adventurous traveler.

From this remote place you can admire and feel the magnitude of the Quilotoa Lake.

Where is Quilotoa Beach?

Quilotoa Beach is located inside the crater of the Quilotoa Volcano. After many years a sort of beach bordering the turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon has formed in this area, and fortunately is open to local and foreign visitors.

How to get to Quilotoa Beach?

Take the "La Playita Quilotoa Trail", which begins at the "Guardiania Jataló" at the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve and descends 1.7 km (45 minutes) to reach the shore of Quilotoa Lagoon. The return trip depends on your physical condition, with an average of 1 to 2 hours of ascent. The path is marked and entirely of gravel and stones.

If you've run out of energy, strength, and courage on the way back, you can return to the summit by renting a horse from the community members on the shore.

Visitor Rules for Quilotoa Beach

Quilotoa Beach is a protected area of the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve. Visitors are required to comply with the rules for the preservation of the zone.

Registration Required at Entrance
Admission is free.
Please respect the trails.
Pets are not allowed.
Prohibited alcohol or cigarettes.
No extract or destroy the wildlife.
Fires or bonfires are not allowed.

Admission to Quilotoa Beach is free. Registration is required upon entry (at the cabin located at the entrance). No need of reservation or authorizations to visit it.

What to do at Quilotoa Beach?

There are 3 activities that can be practiced depending on the time available and the travel plan.

Quilotoa Beach Trails

Walk around Quilotoa Beach and visit places of interest such as the Garza Pamba Trail, couple natural viewpoints and decorative statues near to the lake.

Sail Quilotoa Lagoon

Sail the Quilotoa Lagoon by renting a kayak to explore the turquoise waters by yourself, or take a seat on a boat for a 25-minute tour. The boat trip can also go for all around the Quilotoa Lagoon (in 1 hour for an additional fee).

Quilotoa Beach Camping

The main camping area at the Quilotoa Volcano is the Playita Quilotoa campsite. Near the lake's shore, there's a suitable space for setting up camping equipment and tents. More information about camping at the Quilotoa

Reservation for Quilotoa Beach?

No permit or reservation is required to access Quilotoa Beach. You must register your entry at the Rangers Cabin "Jataló" (with your ID).

Camping area availability depends on current occupancy.

What to bring for camping in Quilotoa?

Tent for 3-4 season
Sleeping bag for –5°C (41°F).
Camping mattress (sponge or inflatable).
Food and drink provisions.
Flashlight, hat and gloves for the cold.
Thermal and Waterproof/Windbreaker clothing.
First aid kit.

Throughout the year, nights in Quilotoa are cold, cloudy, and windy (15°C to 5°C | 59 °F to 23 °F). While the morning and midday at Quilotoa can offer clear skies with plenty of sunshine, the afternoons are foggy and windy.

Information about Quilotoa Beach

There are restrooms on the shore of the lagoon.
Do not attempt to swim or enter the lagoon.
The water in the lagoon is not suitable for human consumption.

Visit the Quilotoa Beach

Visit Quilotoa Beach (Playita Quilotoa) at the Ilinizas Ecological Reserve is a must-do activity, which can be done on a classic one day tour to Quilotoa... as long as you have at least three hours (or less) to complete the round trip. Promise, it's worth it!